Corked Thigh Treatment
Need help with a corky? We’re here for you.
Targeted Treatment to Get You Moving Again
One hard knock, and now your thigh’s sore, tight, and hard to move. Sound familiar? Corked thighs are common in contact sports like AFL, soccer, and rugby. Some settle quickly; others may need extra support.
At Core Physio, our physiotherapists in Adelaide provide personalised, hands-on treatment to help you get back on the field.
Let’s Talk About Corkies
A corked thigh, or corky, is one of the most common and painful soft tissue injuries. It happens when your thigh muscle takes a direct hit, causing internal bleeding deep in the muscle.
However, other areas may be affected as well, such as the calf, glutes, or lower back. Depending on the severity, even simple movements like walking or sitting down may become difficult and uncomfortable.
Do You Have a Corked Thigh?
Identifying a corky early is key to getting the right care. While deep bruising is a common symptom, it doesn’t always appear, so it’s important to pay attention to how your body feels after a knock.
If you experience any of the symptoms below following a direct impact, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a corky.
- Immediate onset of pain
- Swelling and tenderness
- Reddened skin
- Tight muscles
- Limited movement
- A numbed or ‘deadened’ sensation
Treating a Corked Thigh
Physiotherapy
A trained physiotherapist may use hands-on techniques to support rehabilitation. Tailored strengthening and gentle stretching exercises may help muscles recover faster after a serious injury.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy uses gentle muscle manipulation to address muscle tension. This may improve blood flow, reduce pain, and support the recovery process.
Dry Needling
Dry needling targets trigger points with sterile needles. It may help improve your range of motion, relieve muscle tension and increase function throughout rehabilitation.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses radial pressure waves to stimulate metabolic activity. This may relieve pain, improve blood flow and speed up tissue recovery.
Common Corked Thigh Injury Questions
What are the risk factors for corked thighs?
Corked thighs are most common in contact sports, where direct impact to the leg is more likely. Other risk factors include poor muscle conditioning, lack of protective gear, inadequate warm-up, and returning to play too soon after a previous injury.
What are the risk factors for corked thighs?
Corked thighs are most common in contact sports, where direct impact to the leg is more likely. Other risk factors include poor muscle conditioning, lack of protective gear, inadequate warm-up, and returning to play too soon after a previous injury.
How do I prevent an injury?
Focus on proper warm-ups, conditioning, and technique, especially in contact sports like football. Physiotherapy may also be helpful with injury prevention. By strengthening muscles and improving flexibility, you’re less likely to experience trauma.
How long does it take to recover from a corked thigh?
Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild cases may recover in a few days, while more serious trauma may take several weeks. It’s important to rest and follow a proper treatment plan to avoid further damage or complications.
When should I seek professional medical advice?
If you’re still in pain after a few days or notice worsening symptoms, it’s best to seek professional medical advice. At Core Physio, we offer personalised care to support your recovery process. Don’t be afraid to reach out for the help you need.
What are the risks of not treating a corked thigh properly?
Untreated or repeated injury may lead to complications. Myositis ossificans is one such complication; it is a condition where bone tissue forms within the muscle. This is more common in severe cases or when athletes return to play too soon after a game.
The Core Physio Difference
Personalised Care
Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs and goals, so you may receive care that truly supports your health.
Decades of Experience
Established in 1993, Core Physio brings over 30 years of experience in helping patients recover, move better, and stay active.
Convenient Locations
With multiple clinics across Adelaide, getting professional, reliable care has never been easier. We're here when and where you need us.
Book an Appointment
Book an appointment with our friendly team of Adelaide physiotherapists today and take the first step towards better health and wellbeing. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate to you.